Requesting more info on the FM traffic service feature: Does anyone have more info somewhere on the cost and if it is worth continuing service?
12490
Each model is different, and there are multiple traffic services. The ClearChannel traffic service that comes with this model by default (with the integrated FM receiver) is $60 for a *LIFETIME UPGRADE* according to this page on the Garmin website. https://shop.garmin.com/fmtraffic/select_service_plan.asp?L=EN&CR=1&PR=1 Just keep in mind that you may want to consider the 265WT which sells for about $250, or perhaps just hold out a little longer for the 765T to drop in price, if the traffic feature is a deal-breaker for you. Note that there are many trade-offs between the entry level (200 series) and mid-range (700 series) models that I listed above. Then again, you may just want to buy this and add traffic, but keep all this in mind. ***************************** There is another option for this unit. The MSN service, which has their own traffic, is a little more expensive but actually includes more for the money (such as gas prices, weather, movie times, news, etc). You get the first year free when you buy the optional receiver. Then you can choose to pay by year or pay once for lifetime service (about twice as much as the ClearChannel Traffic service). Garmin GDB 50 MSN Direct Receiver http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Direct-Replacement-Receiver-StreetPilot/dp/B000MFINWA/ With the purchase of a separate Garmin GDB50 receiver, you'll get a full 12 months of free service from MSN Direct. Free Trial 12 months Annual Payment Plan $49.95/yr One-Time Payment Plan $129.95 Here was the link where I got the info on the second plan option from the MSN service. http://www.msndirect.com/devices.aspx?DeviceDetailsfromServices=Garmin Note this special offer (which would add 6 months to the initial year that is included). " Limited time offer Extend your service within the first 30 days from free trial activation and get an additional 6 months of MSN Direct for only $19.95 (20% savings off the annual price)." http://www.msndirect.com/pricing.aspx
1962659
According to the item listing traffic is lifetime with no additional charges. Since I've only had the unit for less than 3 months I can't verifiy how long it will really last... so far, so good. To this point I have only gotten one traffic warning.
1390875
Not that I have seen so far. Service from the company has been excellent, and it's still working well for me. I do wish it could be a bit cheaper, but pricing seems to be at or below the competition, so I'm willing to pay for what works.
2268608
Thanks for the help Conrad! I'm curious about that myself. So essentially as of 2012, the 285WT will have absolutely NO traffic updates at all? Even FM Traffic? I'm curious myself because I'm comparing the 285WT and the 255WT. The 255WT has lifetime traffic updates, so if the 285WT is going to lose all it's traffic functionality in 2012, it doesn't seem to make much sense to keep it. Thoughts?
140920
Traffic data is received over public FM radio signals, so you're good until the data format changes. There's nothing to subscribe to. As for map updates, that has nothing to do with the traffic receiver.
355081
Traffic will not be present for all cities. If you are in an area that supports NAVTEQ FM traffic, your unit will pick up the FM band and an icon (showing one car overlapping another) should appear in the upper left-hand corner. The feature itself is automatic, but by touching the icon it will bring up a submenu for further exploration (if there is a traffic problem ahead). I suggest you go to gpsmagazine.com and read the review for the 765. It is very detailed and will explain the traffic function better than I.
1443773
Works for me, I drove to Canada and it kept me updated on any traffic and even on accident delays on the way. I assume your software is up to date?
2234783
It's 9.95 a month. i've had it for several months, but don't find it all that helpful with the main roads, Garden State Parkway and NJ Turnpike, that I travel in NJ. I have either seen the traffic myself ahead or heard it on the radio. So, for myself, I don't see it as a very valuable or helpful feature in giving advance warning and will be cancelling my XM traffic subscription.
990836
Thanks for the input, I was becoming very frustrated, prehaps I'm just in an area that does not have active traffic available.Chuck
122819
I purchased the 340TM Live from Best Buy a few days ago. It comes with the RDS-TMC traffic receiver built in to the 12V power cord. You get 3 months worth of Live services for free, but after that it's over unless you subscribe. It still receives traffic data over FM from the RDS-TMC receiver after your Live services are disabled.
2272329
Yes, it does have traffic updates. However it is difficult to determine the accuracy of those traffic reports, because conditions are constantly changing, so by the time you arrive at the area that had an earlier-displayed slowdown, you'll never know if things cleared up or got worse moments before you arrived at the location. After driving ~6000 miles on a northeastern road trip last summer (areas with lots of traffic), my impression is that the traffic updates were largely accurate and helpful.Oh, by the way, we didn't get traffic capabilities that require extra equipment or subscriptions. We just got the basic model. Yes, it does have traffic updates. However it is difficult to determine the accuracy of those traffic reports, because conditions are constantly changing, so by the time you arrive at the area that had an earlier-displayed slowdown, you'll never know if things cleared up or got worse moments before you arrived at the location. After driving ~6000 miles on a northeastern road trip last summer (areas with lots of traffic), my impression is that the traffic updates were largely accurate and helpful.Oh, by the way, we didn't get traffic capabilities that require extra equipment or... » Read More Yes, it does have traffic updates. However it is difficult to determine the accuracy of those traffic reports, because conditions are constantly changing, so by the time you arrive at the area that had an earlier-displayed slowdown, you'll never know if things cleared up or got worse moments before you arrived at the location. After driving ~6000 miles on a northeastern road trip last summer (areas with lots of traffic), my impression is that the traffic updates were largely accurate and helpful.Oh, by the way, we didn't get traffic capabilities that require extra equipment or subscriptions. We just got the basic model. « Show Less
489701
Mine will not provide/update any traffic reports (Cleveland Ohio) Guess it's not a big enough metro area... although it is listed.
419465
Avoid MSN, neat bells and whistles but lousy signal. I've had both MSN and FM traffic, FM traffic not as "cute" but it works because it gets a signal. I live in Seattle, signal reception was almost non-existent for MSN, except around the Microsoft campus where it was very strong - probably a conincidence?
370326
Well, now are free IF and only if you send by mail some ticket that the sellers are supposed to give you. Some times RM will say that they haven't received your mail.. You wouldn't know this until is too late or when trying to update after the first year. Plus, live traffic is not included.. You must buy additional stuff from them. Try Garmin 760
1147663
Well you also get traffic license, which I don't think is included regularly. It will be interesting to see. Many people are complaining that they spent extra for this, but since I got it Black Friday, I'm not worried. The little extra I spent is worth it for the extra charger and car kit and the traffic license, which I use a lot. They'll probably match nokiausa.com's price eventually.
685432
You just won't get live traffic updates. Everything else works. I use it on my motorcycle.
839833
Here is the BEST answer I can give you. It isn't worth it at ANT price. It NEVERS works so save your money. I can not tell you the nightmares I have endured with trying to get this miserable piece of junk's live traffic to work. . . over a period of YEARS and many RMA's. Don't bother.